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The New Jersey Devils Defense

I'm not sure how you can logically suggest that Larsson is going to be either scratched or riding the bench.

The coaches didn't think he helped out team be a winner in the playoffs + we had an injured veteran. I don't see that changing drastically in a shortened season with everyone healthy. He'll give him time on the ice, but I don't see him logging big minutes at all.

The coaches didn't think he helped out team be a winner in the playoffs + we had an injured veteran. I don't see that changing drastically in a shortened season with everyone healthy. He'll give him time on the ice, but I don't see him logging big minutes at all.

If a defenseman isn't traded for a forward or even a pick just to make room for Larsson, it would be a major blunder in my opinion. It's not logical to stick with what we've got from a money standpoint, from the standpoint of our lack of forward depth, and because it would stunt Larsson's(the future of the franchise) growth. Larsson brings more to the table, or at the very least more of what we need from our defense, than Tallinder, an offensive game. Tallinder is solid, but we've got good defensive d-men(Greene, Fayne, Sal, Volch). He brings nothing to the team that we don't have. I like Tallinder but if it's a choice between Larsson and him I don't think it should even be a decision to make. You go with Larsson 10 out of 10 times, at least I would. I don't see any drawbacks from dealing him. You shed some money, potentially gain a forward or pick, and you open up a spot for the future of the franchise. Get it done as soon as possible, Lou.

I can't stand Tallinder, and CORSI or not I doubt most people will be able to stand him after he gets a few games in this season.

Larsson has been too good in the AHL, and I doubt he'll be benched a whole lot. I had the feeling Larsson could start the season in the AHL, had the NHL season started on time, and that was the reason for having 8 defensemen signed. The had a very short leash with him late last year, and even played Volchenkov against Florida over him which was a joke cause he almost cost us that series. I don't think he'll see any AHL time for the rest of the year after this weekend, or for the rest of his career even.

So Volch sits then? I just don't think sitting any of these guys is a smart thing to do, especially when you consider the lackluster group of forwards we're projected to be putting out there. Also, you just don't sit 3 or 4 million dollars on the bench. Someones gotta get shipped and Volch won't waive his NTC most likely.

So Volch sits then? I just don't think sitting any of these guys is a smart thing to do, especially when you consider the lackluster group of forwards we're projected to be putting out there. Also, you just don't sit 3 or 4 million dollars on the bench. Someones gotta get shipped and Volch won't waive his NTC most likely.

I agree with you 100%. If Larsson is going to get the shaft because we have 6 veteran blueliners, I just don't get it.

Like you said, we need to make room for Larsson and I understand that injuries can occur at anytime but isn't that why we have Harrold? We need all the help we can get up front with the departure of Sykora, Poni and our ex captain plus the injury to Henrique to boot.

The notion of adding extra picks wouldn't hurt either cause we're most probably going to forfeit a 1st round pick in the next 2 drafts, so adding more amo for our own prospect pool or a possible trade wouldn't be a bad option IMO.

All in all, someone has to go and outside of Larsson, Fayne and Zidlicky... I don't really care who get's moved. I would prefer Volchenkov but beggars can't be choosers

Quote:

Originally Posted by engy

Have Zidlicky play forward, top 6. Solve right wing problems and glut of d men problems.

I'd rather see A-Train on our 4th line, crush the living crap out of losers like Rupp when we'll face the Rags. Is Rupp still in the NHL? Is he still blaming the Devils for killing his offensive god-given-gift and his NHL career?

No way Larsson doesn't start unless he is hurt. He was only 19 last season and still played the most 5 on 5 minutes on the team. My guess if everyone is healthy - Tallinder gets moved or something insane happens (4 defensive lines, 3 forward lines, and 1 fighter).

On second thought... If I were Lou, I'd keep Larsson in the minors for a little while, keep my roster the way it is now and when a opposing team will lose a d-men cause of a injury, you just know they'll come calling for the services of one of our veterans.

With the shortened season, the lack of training camp and the compressed games... injuries are going to be flying left and right IMO. Worst case, you move someone at the deadline to clear a spot for Adam and upgrade your forward depth at the same time.

I love the fact that we have this problem. On paper this is a very solid group of defensemen, I can't wait to see how they do. The only concern I have is Larsson being benched. I'd be furious but I really can't see it happening.

Larsson should not be benched, but I understand the business behind it. He's the only one that makes sense to sit, monetarily. I still expect a trade. Too much of a glaring hole at 2nd/3rd line wing and "too much" depth on defense. Hell, Jay Leach is our #9 and you could argue that he'd be able to play on a couple NHL teams.